Head to head
6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Win: Velocity, Energy and Drop From Maker Data
Two Hornady ELD Match loads, one 24 in test barrel, the maker’s own tables to 500 yd. Differences are calculated by GunReleases and labeled. Checked Nov 4, 2026.
Velocity (fps)
Both loads are from Hornady and both tables use a 24 in test barrel. Numbers are Hornady’s; the difference row is calculated by GunReleases.
| Load (test barrel) | Muzzle | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD Match Test barrel: 24 in | 2695 | 2567 | 2443 | 2323 | 2206 | 2092 |
| Hornady .308 Win 168 gr ELD Match Test barrel: 24 in | 2700 | 2530 | 2366 | 2209 | 2057 | 1912 |
| Difference, calculated by GunReleases 6.5 Creedmoor minus .308 Win at the same range | -5 | +37 | +77 | +114 | +149 | +180 |
Energy (ft-lb)
| Load (test barrel) | Muzzle | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD Match Test barrel: 24 in | 2370 | 2151 | 1948 | 1761 | 1587 | 1428 |
| Hornady .308 Win 168 gr ELD Match Test barrel: 24 in | 2719 | 2388 | 2089 | 1820 | 1579 | 1364 |
| Difference, calculated by GunReleases 6.5 Creedmoor minus .308 Win at the same range | -349 | -237 | -141 | -59 | +8 | +64 |
Trajectory (inches, 200 yd zero)
Zero: 200 yd (Hornady table: 0 at 200 yd). Negative numbers are below the line of sight.
| Load (test barrel) | Muzzle | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD Match Test barrel: 24 in | -1.5 | 1.9 | 0 | -7.7 | -21.9 | -43.2 |
| Hornady .308 Win 168 gr ELD Match Test barrel: 24 in | -1.5 | 2 | 0 | -8.2 | -23.5 | -47.1 |
| Difference, calculated by GunReleases 6.5 Creedmoor minus .308 Win at the same range | 0 | -0.1 | 0 | +0.5 | +1.6 | +3.9 |
SAAMI maximum pressure
| Cartridge | MAP (transducer) |
|---|---|
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 62,000 psi |
| 308 Winchester | 62,000 psi |
The Z299.4 Section I velocity and pressure table lists transducer pressure in psi/100; GunReleases multiplied by 100. Source: SAAMI Z299.4.
More on these cartridges
Loads and maker figures: 6.5 Creedmoor ammo and .308 Win ammo. Velocity by barrel length: 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win.
Which to pick (on paper)
- If you want the most velocity left at 500 yd: Hornady lists 2092 fps for the 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr against 1912 fps for the .308 Win 168 gr. Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor page.
- If you want the most muzzle energy: the .308 Win 168 gr lists 2719 ft-lb against 2370 ft-lb; at 500 yd the 6.5 Creedmoor lists 1428 against 1364. Hornady .308 Win page.
- If you want the least drop on a 200 yd zero: at 500 yd Hornady lists -43.2 in for the 6.5 Creedmoor and -47.1 in for the .308 Win. Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor page.
- If pressure is the question: SAAMI Z299.4 lists the same 62,000 psi transducer MAP for both. SAAMI Z299.4.
We have not range-tested these; facts below are from the makers.
Related
- 6.5 Creedmoor ammo 2026
- .308 Win ammo 2026
- 6.5 Creedmoor barrel length vs velocity
- .308 Win barrel length vs velocity
- 5.56 vs .223
- All comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which has less drop at 500 yards, 6.5 Creedmoor or .308?
With a 200 yd zero, Hornady lists -43.2 in for the 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD Match and -47.1 in for the .308 Win 168 gr ELD Match, both from a 24 in test barrel. The difference is 3.9 in, calculated by GunReleases.
Which has more energy, 6.5 Creedmoor or .308?
It depends on range. Hornady lists 2719 ft-lb at the muzzle for the .308 Win and 2370 for the 6.5 Creedmoor. At 500 yd it lists 1428 for the 6.5 Creedmoor and 1364 for the .308 Win.
Do 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 have the same SAAMI pressure?
SAAMI Z299.4 lists a transducer MAP of 62,000 psi for both. The PDF prints 620 in psi/100; GunReleases multiplied by 100.
Are these velocities from the same barrel?
Yes. Both Hornady tables use a 24 in test barrel, so the same-maker differences on this page are like-for-like. Your rifle will differ.
Sources
- Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 147 gr ELD Match
- Hornady .308 Win 168 gr ELD Match
- SAAMI: Z299.4 centerfire rifle
Last checked 2026-11-04.
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